5 Things to Consider Before Going Blonde

Whoever made up that saying that blondes have more fun obviously didn't have blonde hair. Well, at least not dyed blonde hair. I've gone through a lot of hair changes in the past six months, but bleaching my hair has been the most extreme. Everything from how I style my hair to the makeup colors that look good on me has changed. So if you're a natural brunette thinking of going blonde, here are some things to keep in mind before you slap on the bleach—from both the experts and the beauty editor up to her ears in color-preserving shampoo.

You can't wash your hair as often. "Water is actually drying and can add impurities to the hair," says colorist Aura Friedman at the Serge Normant for John Frieda salon in New York City (she's also the color ambassador for Wella Professionals). Plus, the more you wash, the faster your color fades. If you enjoy working out, make friends with dry shampoo—stat.

You'll have to switch your shampoo and conditioner. Get yourself a duo for color-treated hair, says Nikki Ferrara, colorist at New York City's Sally Hershberger Downtown salon (and the lovely lady that took me to the light side!). But that's not all: "If your hair is getting too brassy or flat, you may also need a color-boosting shampoo," says Ferrara. I've added Redken Perfect Platinum Blonde Glam Color Enhancer to my weekly regimen.

A weekly mask is a must. "You may be in the salon every few weeks to add more highlights, so please stock up on a deep conditioner—it helps your hair not become too dry," says Ferrara. And make sure to apply it root to tip. One of my favorites: Wella Brilliance Mask.

Your makeup drawer might need a revamp. I've found that it's harder for me to pull off bright lip colors (like hot pink and tangerine) now. But the makeup that I used to consider blah when I was a brunette (baby pink blush and rose gold gloss) are suddenly essential for perking up my skin.